2012 NBA Mock Draft: Premier Talent Ready to Explode in the NBA

The 2012 NBA draft is set and ready, with the lottery concluded and the draft order decided.

Waiting at every turn is a player who could potentially alter the long-term future of a franchise, evolving from prospect to star professional.

Hidden in the rough or found in the lottery, certain players will find success right off of the bat. For one reason or another, their abilities will translate to success and longevity at the NBA level. It will also lead to Rookie of the Year consideration.

As for who those players are and where they're hiding, the following slides will offer a perspective as to who will shine and why.

2. Charlotte Bobcats: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky Wildcats

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Position: Small Forward

Age: 18

Height, Weight and Wingspan: 6'7'', 210 pounds, 6'11" wingspan

Pros

Elite athlete. Thrives on attacking the basket. Finishes as well as any prospect around the rim. Physical but quick. Top-tier defender who can handle multiple positions. Nonstop motor. Excellent off the dribble. Potential franchise player.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is one of the most misunderstood players in this draft class. Many have written him off as a potential bust for one reason or another, ignoring what the two most important aspects of his game are: an ability to penetrate off of the dribble and some of the most smothering defense you'll see from any of this year's prospects.

Due to these traits, Kidd-Gilchrist can be expected to put up a similar stat line to what he posted in college, but with a higher point per game average. This would instantly place him amongst the Rookie of the Year candidates, as his all-around game would offer the Bobcats something they haven't had since trading Gerald Wallace.

3. Washington Wizards: Thomas Robinson, Kansas Jayhawks

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Position: Power Forward

Age: 21

Height, Weight and Wingspan: 6'9", 237 pounds, 7'1" wingspan

Pros

Long, strong and well built. Dominant rebounder. Tough, never-back-down defender. Loves to play physical. Elite scorer from the low-post. Solid mid-range and perimeter shooter. Well above-average ball handler. Can penetrate off the dribble. Natural born leader.

Cons

Can fall in love with his perimeter game. Faced questions about his size, as some have him at 6'10" but others at 6'9". Has been considered a "one-hit wonder."

First-Year Star Alert

Thomas Robinson has the skill and situation necessary to put up 15 and 10 on a nightly basis. From his ability to score from anywhere on the floor to the fact that John Wall will be running the point alongside him, Robinson will be a stat sheet stuffer.

5. Sacramento Kings: Harrison Barnes, North Carolina Tar Heels

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Position: Small Forward

Age: 19

Height, Weight and Wingspan: 6'8", 210 pounds, 6'11" wingspan

Pros

Unquestioned leader with highly touted character and basketball IQ. He's a very long player with adequate height and strength, helping him evolve into quite a dominant defender. His mid-range game and his form and shot selection are among the best when he's focused.

Barnes is also one of the best players in the clutch.

Cons

Struggles to create for himself off the dribble. Can rely too heavily on his mid-range game rather than posting up or attacking the basket.

Why It Works

Harrison Barnes is an elite perimeter defender, top-tier jump shooter and has one of the highest basketball IQs of any draft prospect. This is music to the Sacramento Kings' ears, as they attempt to sign their first significant 3 since Peja Stojakovic.

He's a big-time selection and will fit well alongside DeMarcus Cousins, Tyreke Evans and the rest of the Sac-Town crew.

Greg Oden is gone and no point guard is deserving of a pick at this position. The writing is on the wall as the Portland Trail Blazers ease the defensive workload for LaMarcus Aldridge and add the type of player who could start for the next five-to-10 years.

7. Golden State Warriors: Terrence Jones, Kentucky Wildcats

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Position: Forward

Age: 20

Height, Weight and Wingspan: 6'8", 244 pounds, 7'3" wingspan

Pros

Handles the ball and passes like a guard. Can score from the perimeter, 15-20 feet and the low-post. Very good rebounder. Underrated shot-blocker. Quick hands and massive wingspan. One of the better defensive prospects in this draft class. Well-rounded offensive game.

Terrence Jones is one of the more misunderstood players in this draft class, as many seem to be uncertain about what he brings to the table. While some note his supposed disappearing act in the 2012 season (his numbers went down across the board) the talent around him was much greater than it was in 2011.

The system also changed dramatically.

Terrence Jones adjusted, not faltered. This kid is built to play for any team due to the fact that he can do everything. He will be one of the best players to emerge from this draft class.

Undersized. Some have criticized court vision. Could be more of a combo-guard.

Why It Works

Jerryd Bayless is injury-prone and hitting free agency. Jose Calderon is aging and in perfect position to mentor a young point guard. Enter Damian Lillard, who has all the tools to be a dominant scorer but lacks the necessary traits of a true facilitator.

If it's not Lillard, it's Kendall Marshall. Toronto is going point guard here.

9. Detroit Pistons: Jared Sullinger, Ohio State Buckeyes

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Position: Power Forward

Age: 20

Height, Weight and Wingspan: 6'9", 280 pounds, 7'2" wingspan

Pros

The best offensive low-post player in this draft class.

Beautiful baby hook. Can score with both hands. Giant wingspan and a massive lower-body. Arguably the best at working for position. Absolute monster on the glass. Serious competitor. Great motor. Improved as a shot-blocker.

Cons

Undersized. Questions about conditioning. Concern about strength and physicality transferring to NBA level.

Why It Works

Greg Monroe is one of the best finesse big men in the NBA. Jared Sullinger is one of the most brutal low-post players you'll ever see. The yin to Monroe's yang has arrived.

Sullinger isn't going to put up monster numbers as a rookie, but they will be effective numbers. Think of somewhere around 12 points and seven rebounds with a block per game.

Just know that those numbers will increase as his career goes on, and he will become a star at the NBA level.

Coming off of a serious wrist injury. Struggles with his jump shot. Not your ideal athlete.

Why It Works

The New Orleans Hornets are in an interesting position at this point in the draft. Damian Lillard is off of the board and Kendall Marshall lacks the shooting ability that would work off of Anthony Davis' potential double-teams.

Just stop thinking that Davis is the only star who could potentially land on this team.

Eric Gordon is still a strong possibility to re-sign, making Kendall Marshall the best possible option. He'd work well off of pick-and-rolls and set up Davis for the easy looks. He'd also offer Gordon adequate opportunities to attempt pocket threes, dribble-penetrations and secondary passes to hot shooters on the perimeter.

11. Portland Trail Blazers: Dion Waiters, Syracuse Orange

Excels in attacking the basket. Plays well above the rim. Confidence rubs off on teammates and frustrates opponents. Plays within his skill set. Dominant in transition. Can create off the dribble.

Cons

Lacks a consistent perimeter game. Can be caught gambling on defense. Some may view his confidence as arrogance.

First-Year Star Alert

Dion Waiters is virtually a Dwyane Wade replica. He excels as a ball handler, can attack the basket and finishes in the paint like no other. His numbers should also resemble those of D-Wade's rookie season.

Averages of 16 points, four assists and four rebounds are very achievable for Waiters. In this scenario he'd see plenty of time at the point but also spend time at the 2, where he and Wesley Matthews would form a dangerous combination.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Zeller, North Carolina Tar Heels

Above-average mobility. Solid mid-range game. Can be a dominant scorer in the paint. Very good rebounder. Steadily improving shot-blocker. Athletic enough to run the floor in transition. Great motor.

Cons

Can be bullied in the low post. Needs to add muscle and strength to avoid continuation of such. Is a rather grounded player.

Why It Works

The Milwaukee Bucks need to replace Andrew Bogut. Tyler Zeller needs to come off the board. If there's ever been a perfect fit, it's right here.

Zeller is not going to be a star, as some project he might be. What he will be, however, is a consistent starter who offers the same thing every time out: an outstanding motor and a willingness to do anything to secure the W.

13. Phoenix Suns: Jeremy Lamb, Phoenix Suns

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Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 19

Height, Weight and Wingspan: 6'5", 185 pounds, 7'0" wingspan

Pros

Lights out shooter. High-leap on his jump shots. Quick release. Unreal 7'0" wingspan. Elite athlete who moves across the floor with grace and confidence. Can dominate when on his game. Lock-down on-ball defender.

Cons

Tendency to disappear with the game on the line. Often found waiting for a play to develop. Needs to learn to move without the basketball. Must add muscle to frame to handle post-up opponents.

Why It Works

The Phoenix Suns had quite the up-and-down season. They experimented with Shannon Brown but have lacked a solid 2 since losing Joe Johnson in 2006. Jeremy Lamb would offer some stability there, as he could potentially put up 15-20 points a night as a member of the Suns.

The downside for Lamb is that he's often caught watching the ball. This would be tempered should Steve Nash return, however, opening the door for Lamb to finally move without the basketball. Otherwise, just look at Lamb's perimeter defense and be thankful that the Suns can finally contain an opponent.

14. Houston Rockets: Perry Jones III, Baylor Bears

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Position: Power Forward

Age: 20

Height, Weight and Wingspan: 6'11'', 220 pounds and 7'3" wingspan

Pros

Versatile. Can play the 3, 4 or 5. Runs the floor like a guard. Could be a point forward. Capable of scoring from mid-range or above the basket. Has a solid low-post game. Arguably the best athlete in this draft class.

Cons

Jones III doesn't seem to know how to utilize his skill set or body. Often limits himself to mid-range jump shots. Can be one-dimensional and predictable. Production doesn't match talent.

Why It Works

Perry Jones III is a star in some eyes and a potential bust in others. While this will cause him to take a tumble, it will not drop him any lower than this.

Luis Scola has been marvelous for the Houston Rockets, but he's 32 years old and is coming off a season in which his rebound numbers were at a career low. He's clearly lost a step, and Perry Jones III is the perfect guy to put in his place, as his finesse rather than force style is perfect for Scola to help mentor.

15. Philadelphia 76ers: Austin Rivers, Duke Blue Devils

Excellent ball-handler. Can both penetrate or rise up and hit a jump shot. Finishes well around the basket. Deep range on his jump shot. Possesses the elusive killer instinct.

Cons

Can be selfish with the ball in his hands. Often over-dribbles. Poor shot selection. Very concerning field goal percentage. Inconsistent defender who takes far too many chances.

Why It Works

With Lou Williams poised to hit free agency, the Philadelphia 76ers are in need of a reserve who can light up the scoreboard and handle the ball-handling duties. Fortunately for the 76ers, Austin Rivers is available and fits the bill perfectly.

16. Houston Rockets (via Knicks): Terrence Ross, Washington Huskies

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Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 21

Height, Weight and Wingspan: 6'6'', 190 pounds and 6'7" wingspan

Pros

Best size of any first-round shooting guard. Excellent shooter with ideal rise on his jump shot. Clean release and a quick first step to keep defenders off-balance. One of the better defenders at his position.

Cons

Questionable shot selection. Failed to lead Washington to NCAA tournament in 2012, although many feel team was snubbed. Could handle the ball more responsively.

Why It Works

Terrence Ross is excellent at scoring off the dribble, moves well without the basketball and has one of the best jump shots you'll find. He's also one of the best perimeter defenders in this draft class and can penetrate and finish well above the rim.

Ross is a great fit for Houston, as Kevin Martin's history never seems to be certain. Whether long-term or short-term, Ross would offer a major upgrade in terms of consistency.

17. Dallas Mavericks: Meyers Leonard, University of Illinois

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Position: Center

Age: 20

Height, Weight and Wingspan:7'0", 240 pounds and 7'3" wingspan

Pros

Mobile, athletic. Very tall, very long. Excellent defender who displays patience and impeccable timing. Offers valuable presence in the paint. Good rebounder and shot-blocker. Finishes well around the basket. High leap.

Cons

Lacks fundamentals on offense. Must add upper- and lower-body strength to play the 5 consistently.

Why It Works

The Dallas Mavericks' greatest position of need is at the 5, where 2012's group effort came up short. In selecting Meyers Leonard, those woes may come to an end as the mobile big man works perfectly alongside Dirk Nowitzki.

Leonard is solid on the boards, can finish well in the paint and is not afraid of contact. Although some refer to him as a project, he's going to go down as one of the better players from this draft class.

Very athletic wingman who can play both the 2 and 3. When he gives effort, he can dominate on both ends. Quickness is matched by power in attacking the rim. Can rebound, swipe steals and block shots.

Cons

Lacks a reliable mid-range game. One-dimensional on offense. Often appears uninterested on the defensive end. When he isn't scoring, it appears he's just going through the motions.

Why It Works

No shooting guard prospect makes sense to select at this point in the draft. Due to this fact, the Minnesota Timberwolves take a chance on a player who could play either the 3 or 4—Moe Harkless of the St. John's Red Storm.

Harkless is big enough to play the 3 but athletic enough to play the 2. While his motor has been questioned, his production cannot be. He'd be an excellent complement to Ricky Rubio.

19. Orlando Magic: Tony Wroten Jr., Washington Huskies

Great size for a point guard. Very good passer with unstoppable court vision. Finishes above the rim. Quick and powerful off the dribble.

Cons

Must improve both his jump shot and shot selection. Often goes for the flashy play rather than the smart play. Turns the ball over far too often.

First-Year Star Alert

Tony Wroten Jr. is a playmaker to the core. Assuming Dwight Howard is still on the roster, that makes for a potentially elite 1-to-5 pairing. Assuming D-12 is traded, Wroten Jr. will have some exciting pieces to work with.

The former Washington Huskie is powerful off of his dribble penetration and finishes in traffic with the best of them. He's also a masterful passer when on his game, making for a combination with D-12 to be rather deadly.

13 and six aren't too shabby for first year numbers, nor is your name being featured on a handful of highlight reels.

20. Denver Nuggets: John Henson, North Carolina Tar Heels

Giant wingspan paired with incredible leaping ability. Consistently great motor that influences teammates. Great rebounder and shot-blocker. Loves to play defense.

Cons

Very frail. Must add muscle and strength in order to consistently defend low-post opponents. Must have a more consistent jump shot should he continue to rely on such.

Why It Works

The Denver Nuggets currently possess one of the deepest frontcourts in the NBA. They also have a stacked perimeter and backcourt of young players. The only thing they truly lack is height at the 4, which North Carolina's John Henson can certainly supply.

Henson is an agile big man with range on his jump shot. His bread and butter, however, is down low as a shot-blocker, rebounder and all-around finesse 4. Most important of all are his respected character and swift athleticism on the floor.

Lacks fundamentals on both ends of the floor. Absolutely nothing to worry about on offense aside from dunks and lay-ins. Very low basketball IQ. Inconsistent motor.

Why It Works

The Boston Celtics need an improvement at the 5, even with a strong rookie season from Greg Stiemsma. To respond to this necessity, the Celtics land one of the most raw but highly hyped prospects in this draft class—Fab Melo of the Syracuse Orange.

Melo will not offer much on offense, but his shot-blocking and athleticism is worth the risk.

Scouts have loved his athleticism since he first came out of high school. Recently added consistent rebounding and scoring skills. Range from 10-15 feet. Hakim Warrick-esque leaping ability. Dominant defender.

Cons

Settles for shots. Must add some muscle. Horrible from free-throw line, although much improved in 2012. Inconsistent motor.

Why It Works

Despite drafting JaJuan Johnson in 2011, the Boston Celtics seem none too comfortable with their current situation at the 4. While Brandon Bass will likely re-sign, they remain weak and undersized in the front court. Arnett Moultrie is the answer.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Marquis Teague, Kentucky Wildcats

Exceptionally fast in the open court, with or without the ball in his hands. Finishes well around the rim and has a respectable assist-to-turnover ratio. Is a very good passer with great court vision.

Cons

Teague lacks a true perimeter game and can be one-dimensional on offense. He also has a tendency to become reckless with the ball.

Why It Works

Could brothers unite?

As solid as Marquis Teague's older brother, Jeff, was for the Atlanta Hawks in 2012, there's no denying their need for an upgrade. The Hawks' offense often looked lost and designed more for flash than finish. Marquis Teague may help offer a more system-oriented approach.

In drafting the younger Teague, the team's transition attack sees a serious improvement. Their second unit also finds some fresh legs, which should be refreshing news considering the fact that Willie Green, Kirk Hinrich and Tracy McGrady were the key reserves in 2012.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Lakers): Quincy Miller, Baylor Bears

Great athlete. Versatile forward that can play both positions. High basketball IQ. Solid interior and perimeter game. Plays well above the rim. Can control the glass. Good defender.

Cons

Can settle for shots. Must work his way to the basket more often. Can be one dimensional. Must add muscle.

Why It Works

The Cleveland Cavaliers landed the 2 of their future in Bradley Beal. Now, they must find an improvement at the 3, where Alonzo Gee is solid but may not be the answer. Quincy Miller could be the cure-all.

In terms of talent and athletic ability, Quincy Miller is a top-five draft pick. Due to an ACL injury and an inability to perform up to expectations, however, he drops. This could be the biggest steal of the draft.

25. Memphis Grizzlies: Evan Fournier, France

Excellent mid-range game. Very smooth as he moves across the floor and rises up for a jump shot. Finishes well around the rim. Can penetrate and create for himself off of the dribble.

Cons

Struggles from three-point range. Not a quality defender. Needs to add some strength to handle more physical opponents.

Why It Works

With O.J. Mayo set to hit free agency, the Memphis Grizzlies are in need of a replacement at the 2. Evan Fournier offers them just that, as he has a beautiful mid-range jump shot and solid ball-handling abilities.

This is exactly what the Grizzlies need, as Mayo offered points and depth as a ball-handler.

26. Indiana Pacers: Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure Bonnies

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Position: Power Forward

Age: 22

Height, Weight and Wingspan: 6'9", 225 pounds and 7'3" wingspan

Pros

Very good motor. Natural born leader. Excellent defender. Big-time scorer in the low-post and from the perimeter. Can throw it down with the best of them. Massive wingspan outweighs questions about height.

Cons

Does lack height. Is good, but could be better on the boards. Played at a small-time school.

Why It Works

David West turned it on come postseason, but it simply wasn't enough. Tyler Hansbrough and Louis Amundson offered the Pacers an adequate second unit in terms of effort, but never found a way to continue the interior scoring. To cure these woes, the Pacers will select do-it-all forward Andrew Nicholson.

Nicholson is as good as they come from the low-post, utilizing an array of finesse moves and an excellent fade-away jump shot. This may make Hansbrough the odd man out, but it's worth the risk.

27. Miami Heat: Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt Commodores

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Position: Center

Age: 22

Height, Weight and Wingspan: 6'11", 225 pounds and 7'0" wingspan

Pros

Strong, physical defender. Intimidating presence in the paint. Very good shot-blocker and a fearless defender. Crashes the boards. Separating combination of size, strength and physicality. Big production in small minutes.

Cons

Not fundamentally sound. Rather low basketball IQ. Offensive game is one-dimensional.

Why It Works

The Miami Heat have one chance to land an upgrade at the 5, and they will take whoever the best available player is at the position. Festus Ezeli fits that bill and offers the Heat a major upgrade over what they currently possess.

Consider Ezeli the Kendrick Perkins of this draft class. Fundamentally he needs development, but as an interior defender, his presence alone sends a message.

28. Oklahoma City Thunder: Kevin Jones, West Virginia Mountaineers

Overcomes height disadvantage with gigantic wingspan. Hard-worker with great motor. Can score anywhere on the floor. Crashes the offensive boards. Can play both the 3 or 4.

Cons

Rather short for a 4. Not athletic enough to play the 3. Not the greatest athlete.

First-Year Star Alert

The Oklahoma City Thunder's greatest need is in the frontcourt, where they lack even the slightest resemblance of a scoring threat. This opens the door for Kevin Jones to see big minutes and put up big points as a rookie, as well as crashing the boards with his 7'4" wingspan.

Jones is a veteran player whose main cause for concern is the belief that he lacks a true position. That will be proven false, as he's more than capable of playing the 4. He and James Harden will make for a stellar second unit tandem.

29. Chicago Bulls: Doron Lamb, Kentucky Wildcats

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Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 20

Height, Weight and Wingspan: 6'4", 195 pounds and 6'7" wingspan

Pros

Excellent shooter who can create shots for himself off of the dribble. Very smooth in his movements across the floor. Very good athlete who can put the ball on the floor or move without it in his hands.

Cons

Respectable wingspan but below-average height. Could be stronger and a better defender. Upside undecided.

Why It Works

The Chicago Bulls are desperate for an upgrade at the 2, and that's exactly what they'd get with Doron Lamb.

Lamb is a two-way player whose defensive intensity is matched by an offensive prowess well-beyond what he's shown at Kentucky. Understandably so, of course, as his ability to lead a team was masked by the surplus of talent around him. Lamb will show the world what he's capable of with the Bulls, coming up big with three-point brilliance and an ability to create off of the dribble.

Outstanding defender. Is an incredible athlete. Has made improvements across the board in every season he's played. Finishes as well as any player above the rim. Rapidly improving mid-range game. Brilliant footwork.

Cons

Although improving, lacks a consistent jump shot. Struggles to score off of the dribble. Sometimes finds himself out of position.

Why It Works

Jeffery Taylor is as dominant a perimeter defender as they come. He's athletic, long and has beautiful footwork. He just so happens to be considered a fluke by scouts across the league (per ESPN).

This opens the door for the Golden State Warriors to land a player who could change the landscape of their franchise. While Terrence Jones offers versatility at the 3 and 4, Taylor is a sure-fire perimeter player whose defense could translate to either the 2 or 3.

31. Charlotte Bobcats: Will Barton, Memphis Tigers

Will Barton is a truly elite scorer. Can both attack the basket and pull up for a jump shot. Has deep range on his J. Possesses the "killer instinct." Very good motor. Floor leader.

Cons

Needs to add muscle to his frame. Often struggles with his shot selection. Can force shots when struggling.

First-Year Star Alert

You can look at any statistic you'd like and attempt to define the Charlotte Bobcats' greatest source of struggles. The only two I see are these: The Bobcats made the second-least three-pointers in the NBA and were the first team to shoot below 30 percent from distance since 2003. Something has got to give.

In selecting Will Barton, the Bobcats land a player who is capable of putting points in bunches. He's also a very good three-point shooter who would receive all the chances he could dream of to light it up from the distance. Should he land in Charlotte, Barton will be close to the top of rookies in terms of points per game.

32. Washington Wizards: Royce White, Iowa State Cyclones

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Position: Small Forward

Age: 21

Height, Weight and Wingspan: 6'8", 240 pounds and 6'7" wingspan

Pros

Can score from the interior out to the three-point line. Excellent rebounder. Can facilitate like a point guard. Definition of a point forward. Can defend on the perimeter and in the post. Above-average jump shooter. Can play the 3 or 4.

Cons

Questions about character. Kicked off of the Minnesota Golden Gophers before transferring to Iowa State. Suffers from severe anxiety disorder and a fear of flying (via USA Today).

Why It Works

The one and only reason Royce White is falling this low in the draft is because of his severe anxiety disorder. The Wizards throw caution to the wind, however, and land a player who could potentially give the Wizards one of the most dynamic young trios in the NBA.

Arguably the best shooter in this draft class. Great height on his jump shot. Quick release. Deep, deep range. Leader of a true title contender at Vanderbilt.

Cons

Undersized in terms of height and strength. Doesn't offer much beyond shooting and scoring. Not the best defender.

Why It Works

The Cavaliers should be jumping with joy after landing Bradley Beal in the first round. They should also be looking to add depth at the 2, however, as their secondary option remains either Anthony Parker or Daniel Gibson.

Jenkins may be the best pure shooter in this draft. As the Dallas Mavericks showed us in 2011, you can never have enough of those players, as they spread the floor for the development of the Cavs' interior youth.

34. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyle O'Quinn, Norfolk State Spartans

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Position: Center

Age: 22

Height, Weight and Wingspan: 6'10", 240 pounds and 7'5" wingspan

Pros

Very strong and very athletic. Excellent at boxing opponents out. Utilizes massive wingspan and big frame to dominate the glass. Excels as a shot-blocker. Polished on the offensive end. Low-post and mid-range threat to score.

Cons

Motor has been questioned. Lacks knowledge of the true fundamentals of basketball. Can appear lost when the ball is not in his hands or in the air. Played at a small school.

Why It Works

Forgive me for my pessimism, but I believe Anderson Varejao will be sidelined at some point in the 2013 season. Due to this fact, Kyle O'Quinn will receive plenty of opportunities to prove his worth. Believe you me, he will do just that.

O'Quinn was the MEAC Player and Defensive Player of the Year for a reason. When he's motivated, he has first-round talent.

35. Golden State Warriors (via Nets): Scott Machado, Iona Gaels

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Position: Point Guard

Age: 21

Height, Weight and Wingspan: 6'0", 180 pounds and 6'2" wingspan

Pros

Absolutely outstanding as a facilitator. Quite possibly the best passer in this draft class. Very quick, very athletic. Drastic improvements in shooting percentages and ability. Strength advantage over the average point guard. Excellent ball handler.

Cons

Undersized at just 6'0" tall. Can be caught watching the ball and gambling on defense.

Why It Works

Scott Machado is a star in the making. Stephen Curry can't seem to stay healthy. As soon as the door opens for Machado to see some playing time, he won't turn back.

From efficient scoring to beautiful passing, this kid can do it all. His court vision is unmatched, effort unquestioned and footwork impeccable. A shooting line of .495/.404/.811 is worth salivating over.

36. Sacramento Kings: Drew Gordon, New Mexico Lobos

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Position: Power Forward

Age: 21

Height, Weight and Wingspan: 6'9", 235 pounds, 7'0" wingspan

Pros

Explosive athlete. Dominates interior with rebounding and shot-blocking skills. Active without the ball in his hands. Plays with a chip on his shoulder. Runs the floor well. Solid mid-range jump shot. Work ethic and motor suggest he'll improve upon deficiencies.

Cons

Lacks fundamentals. Must improve footwork. Very limited low-post game. Must add bulk to bang down low.

Why It Works

DeMarcus Cousins is an elite frontcourt player. That's the truth, so for anyone who attempts to dispute it, watch the kid play and ignore his body language. That's mostly a product of questionable coaching and a terrible system.

To ease the burden Cousins is likely to receive, the Kings must add a player who can eliminate the option of a low-post double-team. Drew Gordon goes a long way towards doing so, as he can control the offensive glass and finish strong if given the opportunity.

37. Toronto Raptors: Draymond Green, Michigan State Spartans

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Position: Small Forward

Age: 22

Height, Weight and Wingspan: 6'6", 235 pounds, 7'0" wingspan

Pros

True point forward. Excellent passer. Very good shooter with three-point range. Dominant on the glass. Massive wingspan. Overpowering strength. Can play in the post or on the perimeter. Great defender.

Draymond Green is going to be a star at the NBA level. He's an absolute monster in the post, can rebound against bigger opponents and is capable of scoring from anywhere on the floor. He's also an outstanding ball-handler who can facilitate like a point guard.

So what can't he do? Keep himself off a basketball court. His motor, strength and defensive prowess will make him an instant favorite for head coach Dwayne Casey.

Excellent ball-handler. Quick first step. Can finish around the rim. Consistently improving jump shot. Racks up the steals. Can defend both guard positions. Very good motor. Leader on the floor.

Cons

Undersized in height and build. Although improving, lacks a consistent jump shot.

Why It Works

The Denver Nuggets may have been the highest-scoring team in the NBA, but they're absolutely horrendous at converting in the half-court. To take a step toward curing this fundamental illness, adding Jared Cunningham would be a very good first step.

Cunningham is your quintessential slasher. He can beat anyone off the dribble and is brilliant without the ball in his hands. He's also a solid perimeter defender who racks up the steals and turns them into transition points.

In other words, he does what the Nuggets currently do and more. Jared Cunningham is a star in the making.

39. Detroit Pistons: Kevin Murphy, Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles

One of the best shooters in this draft class. Very deep range on his jump shot. Can hit an NBA three. Very consistent mid-range game. Decent rebounder. Star potential.

Cons

Undersized for the 3. Not a great ball-handler. Has struggled against greater competition. Must bulk up.

First-Year Star Alert

The Detroit Pistons are striking gold with this draft class, landing the 4 and 3 of their future.

Kevin Murphy is an incredible shooter with limitless range. He's also a solid rebounder with true star potential due to his ability to take over a game at any given moment. His ball-handling and defense will certainly benefit from Tayshaun Prince's presence as a mentor.

Just don't think the apprentice will take very long to take off. He will waste no time in doing so.

Excellent perimeter defender. Blazing speed. Very good athlete. Finishes well around and above the rim. Can play the undersized 2. Intelligent player.

Cons

Struggles with his jump shot. Disciplinary issues. Can be reckless with the ball.

Why It Works

Tyshawn Taylor may not be a first-year star, but he could very well end up as a first-year starter. That counts for something, doesn't it?

Taylor is lockdown perimeter defender with unstoppable speed and quickness. He finishes well in the paint and can play above the rim. He's also a very intelligent player with well above-average passing skills. He, Dion Waiters and Andre Drummond could offer the Trail Blazers a special rookie trio.

41. Portland Trail Blazers: Khris Middleton, Texas A&M Aggies

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Position: Small Forward

Age: 20

Height, Weight and Wingspan: 6'7", 215 pounds, 6'10" wingspan

Pros

Long, lanky player. Consistent mid-range game. Sees the floor well. Can defend the 2 or 3. More athletic than his playing style would suggest. Crashes the boards. Comfortable with the ball in his hands.

Cons

Struggles from distance. Could add some muscle to his frame. Missed 12 games in 2012 due to torn meniscus . Went from preseason Wooden Award candidate to non-factor.

Why It Works

Should the Portland Trail Blazers fail to re-sign Nicolas Batum, Khris Middleton could be a nice short-term replacement. Should the Blazers succeed in re-signing Batum, Middleton adds some much needed depth on the perimeter and a solid jump shooting presence.

42. Milwaukee Bucks: Darius Miller, Kentucky Wildcats

Excellent shooter. Consistent from mid-range and the NBA three. Can penetrate and finish around the rim. Vocal leader. Adequate size and athleticism. Very good perimeter defender.

Cons

Spent his career as a reserve. Struggles to stay in front of penetrating opponents. Can fall in love with his jump shot.

Why It Works

The Milwaukee Bucks landed their potential franchise center in the first round. In the second round, they need to pad their perimeter a bit with a big body to make up for the undersized Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis. Darius Miller will certainly do the trick.

Miller is a strong, adequately sized 3 who is deadly with his jump shot. He's also capable of creating for himself and attacking the basket. Most important of all, however, is the fact that Miller is a solid perimeter defender. He will fit perfectly with the Milwaukee Bucks.

43. Atlanta Hawks: Orlando Johnson, UC Santa Barbara

Excellent shooter with three-point range. Attacks the basket. Will fill up a stat sheet. One of the best available scorers. Strong on the glass. Moves well without the ball.

Cons

Isn't elite in any individual category. Can rush shots. Can overdribble and turn the ball over.

First-Year Star Alert

Sooner or later, people are going to realize that Joe Johnson is better suited for the 3. Upon doing so, this will open the door for one of this year's most dynamic scorers, Orlando Johnson, to join the Atlanta Hawks and add some fresh legs on offense.

Johnson is an excellent shooter but is not afraid to penetrate off the dribble. He's also solid without the ball in his hands and remains active on both ends of the floor. His lights out shooting from the three will be a nice replacement for what Kirk Hinrich was supposed to bring to the table.

Struggles to reach the free-throw line. Can be too passive. Must add muscle to translate playing style.

Why It Works

The Detroit Pistons are very undersized at the 2, with Rodney Stuckey and Ben Gordon both playing in point guard bodies. In selecting William Buford, the Pistons would be able to replace Gordon with a player whose skill set is similar but size and versatility is much greater.

45. Philadelphia 76ers: Mike Scott, Virginia Cavaliers

Very good rebounder. Can score from the paint to the three-point line. High character, high motor player. Very strong, very physical. Thrived against the better competition.

Cons

Undersized. Turning 24 by the time the regular season begins. History of injuries.

Why It Works

While the Warriors added Perry Jones III, who could potentially play the 4, their hope is likely that he and Draymond Green split time at the 3. In terms of why they drafted Mike Scott, they just couldn't let a player this special drop any further than this.

Concerns about Scott's size and age force him to drop a bit, but the Warriors won't let him plunge any deeper. This is a steal.

46. Washington Wizards: Henry Sims, Georgetown Hoyas

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Position: Center

Age: 22

Height, Weight and Wingspan: 6'10", 242 pounds, 7'4" wingspan

Pros

Henry Sims is a great scorer around the basket, has range out to 15 feet and does what every Georgetown big man does—passes like a guard. He's also a talented shot-blocker and big-body presence in the paint.

Cons

Very weak on the glass. Was a non-factor until his senior season. Turns the ball over more often than desired.

Why It Works

Nene is injury-prone, and Thomas Robinson would benefit from having a rookie shot-blocker alongside him. Henry Sims will be able to fill both of those needs and offer the Wizards one of the best passing big men in the nation. Solid selection here.

47. Utah Jazz: Tu Holloway, Xavier Musketeers

Excellent ball-handler. Finishes well around the basket. Very quick, very fast. Solid defender. Three-year leader of tournament regular. Sees the court very well.

Cons

Undersized. Inconsistent jump shot.

Why It Works

The Utah Jazz are likely to bid farewell to point guard Devin Harris after yet another disappointing season from the former Dallas and New Jersey star. This opens the door for a new franchise point guard, and at this point, the best possible option is Tu Holloway out of Xavier.

Holloway is an excellent ball-handler and an even greater leader. He sees the court well and finishes strong at the basket. He's also a very good passer, offering the Jazz what they truly need.

48. New York Knicks: Hollis Thompson, Georgetown Hoyas

Very long, very athletic. Lights out shooter from anywhere on the floor. Very respected in the Georgetown locker room. Consistently strong motor.

Cons

Relies too heavily on jump shot. Must bulk up. Not the strongest ball-handler. Needs to attack the basket more often.

Why It Works:

The New York Knicks found their greatest success running a smaller lineup, with Carmelo Anthony in at the 4. With Landry Field and Steve Novak poised to hit free agency, however, the Knicks currently lack anyone to play the 3 in the case of this lineup being utilized. Hollis Thompson would cure all woes with his perimeter shooting and intelligent basketball.

49. Orlando Magic: Kostas Papanikolaou, Greece

Aggressive defense. Very tough on both ends of the floor. Not afraid of contact. High basketball IQ. Non-stop motor. Solid jump shooter. Big-game player.

Cons

Not an explosive athlete. Must add NBA three range. Not the best at creating for himself.

Why It Works

According to Chad Ford of ESPN.com, Kostas Papanikolaou was matched up against former NBA star Andrei Kirilenko at the Euroleague title game. Ford reports that Papanikolaou shut down Kirilenko and went off for 18 points en route to an Olympiakos victory.

Due to this performance, scouts and GMs are buzzing about what this kid is capable of. Expect the Orlando Magic to take a chance and find out, thus adding their new edition of Hedo Turkoglu.

Andre Miller still believes he can start. Ty Lawson is taking a step towards elite status. The Denver Nuggets need depth at the point. Why not take a chance on another speedster at the point and keep your team as a transition nightmare?

That's exactly what the Nuggets would do by adding Maalik Wayns, who is as fast as anyone on the court at all times.

51. Boston Celtics: Alex Young, IUPUI Jaguars

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 22

Height, Weight and Wingspan: 6'6", 212 pounds, 6'11" wingspan

Pros

Attacks the basket at will. Very strong, very athletic. Finishes well above the rim. Crashes the boards well. Moves well without the ball. Quick. Improving mid-range game. Cut down turnovers from junior to senior year. Solid defender.

Cons

Inconsistent from distance. Has a tendency to dribble too much. Hasn't faced many quality opponents.

Why It Works

With Ray Allen hitting free agency and Avery Bradley coming off shoulder surgery, the Boston Celtics should look to add depth at the 2 with this pick. They should also look to add size at the 2, which they currently lack.

Alex Young is a pure slasher who will get to the basket at will. He's also a strong perimeter defender and both sets and works off screens.

52. Golden State Warriors (via Hawks): Robert Sacre, Gonzaga Bulldogs

Very tall, very long. Excels as a shot-blocker. Solid low-post defender. Crashes the boards well. Utilizes size adequately. Can finish in the paint.

Cons

Lacks a back-to-the-basket game. Rarely scores on close-to-mid-range jump shots. Not the greatest athlete. Could be more physical.

Why It Works

The Golden State Warriors have every right to be excited about the arrival of Andrew Bogut. They also have the right to be concerned, as Bogut has a long history with season-ending injuries. The only move that makes sense is to add depth through the draft.

Sacre is a very long player who offers adequate size and strength in the paint. He's a very good shot-blocker and a solid rebounder, which is all the Warriors could ask for.

53. Los Angeles Clippers: Quincy Acy, Baylor Bears

Very long, very athletic. Infectious motor. Considered a locker room and on-court leader. Physical defender on the interior and perimeter.

Cons

Tweener. Raw fundamentally.

Why It Works

The Los Angeles Clippers love effort players, as evidenced by the playing time granted to Reggie Evans. By selecting Quincy Acy, the Clippers add yet another player of the same niche but receive potential stardom in addition.

Acy finishes strong in the paint and can defend both on the perimeter and in the paint. If nothing else, his dunking ability will fit the bill for Lob City.

Must add muscle, weight and strength to be able to play in the post at the NBA level. Inexperienced against elite competition.

Why It Works:

This pick is all about depth and security. Selecting Griffin gives the 76ers an extra body alongside Elton Brand and Lavoy Allen, but also opens the door for a new rotational player to emerge. Griffin's shot-blocking and athleticism will allow that.

55. Dallas Mavericks (via Lakers): J'Covan Brown, Texas Longhorns

Very good shooter. Range beyond the NBA three. Versatile enough to play undersized 2. Can take over a game at any given moment. Exudes confidence.

Cons

Tendency to force shots. Can become one-dimensional when struggling. Undersized.

Why It Works

The Dallas Mavericks may not land Deron Williams. If that's the case, taking a gamble on J'Covan Brown makes even more sense. If they do, however, Brown's presence will still be valued as he has game-changing scoring ability.

56. Toronto Raptors (via Pacers): Marcus Denmon, Missouri Tigers

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Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 22

Height and Weight: 6'3", 185 pounds

Pros

Outstanding jump shooter. Deep range. Incredibly efficient. Thrives as a ball-handler. Can finish at the basket. Responsible with the basketball. Can take over a game. Respected leader. Excellent rebounder for size.

Cons

Tweener at the guard position. Needs to add strength. Saw decline in shooting percentages in 2012.

Why It Works

Marcus Denmon is one of the best shooters in this draft class. He's also an excellent ball-handler and a natural-born leader. Most important of all, however, is the fact that he's a three-point marksman.

With Jonas Valanciunas coming to town in 2013, the Raptors offense is clearly going to focus on their twin towers down low. This calls for the presence of three-point shooters who can stretch the floor. Denmon will do that and more.

Good shooter with three-point range. Very strong, can defend and dribble against bigger opponents. Three-point range. High basketball IQ. Takes care of the ball. Killer in the clutch.

Cons

Could be taller. Isn't an elite athlete. Is rather one dimensional as a scorer.

Why It Works

Ricky Rubio is coming off a season-ending injury, and the Minnesota Timberwolves don't have much behind him. To add some depth behind him, Jordan Taylor is beyond an ideal fit.

Taylor is an excellent shooter who can knock down shots from distance. He's also a responsible ball-handler who rarely turns the ball over. The only time you have to worry about him doing something dangerous is in the clutch, where he'll sink the opposing team at any given moment.

Very, very raw on offense. One-dimensional scorer. Can be overwhelmed by stronger opponents. Must find more consistency with his shooting. Not the greatest basketball IQ.

Why It Works

Kris Joseph is a promising player with explosive athleticism. He hustles on every play, is always looking to get his hands on the ball and gives his all on defense. He just needs to turn the effort into a solid foundation of skills.

Big-game player. Very strong, can be overpowering. Deep range on his jump shot. Excellent ball-handler. As quick as lightning. Powerful and explosive enough to finish in traffic. Excellent around the rim. Has the talent to be a star. Fearless on defense.

Cons

Very, very undersized. Considered by some to be a better fit for the 2 but far too small to play the position.

Why It Works

The Los Angeles Lakers need something to help them improve at the point, and 5'10" Casper Ware could be the remedy.

According to Chad Ford of ESPN.com, Ware impressed many scouts at the New Jersey prospect workouts. He pressed up against bigger ball-handlers and displayed elite-level quickness. This is consistent with his play style from the NCAA season, as his tenacity often forces opponents into quick jumpers.

On offense, he'll hit the J from anywhere. The Lakers need to spread the floor and slow opposing point guards down. Casper Ware offers help in both of those departments.